It was late when Vincent heard the quiet knock at the door. Rising swiftly, Vincent glanced at Yuffie to see that she still slept, before pulling Cerberus and moving quietly to the door. Glancing through the peephole, Vincent let out a sigh of relief when Cid's face came into view. Opening the door, Vincent stepped aside so that Cid could enter. He was surprised when Nanaki and Cloud entered behind him.

"Just in case there was trouble," Cloud said in response to Vincent's unspoken question.

"It may draw attention," Vincent said shutting the door.

"Yes," Nanaki agreed, "That is a risk. But, our chances of protecting Yuffie are better this way."

"The Shera is just outside of town," Cid said, "If we're quiet we should be able to make it out without those assholes seeing us." The pilot glanced at the bed, "How's the brat doing?"

"See for yourself," Vincent replied gesturing for them to approach the bed.

Striding up to the bed, Cid cursed. "Holy shit, she's a mess."

It was Cloud who noticed the bruises on the ninja's arms. "Those bruises aren't from a behemoth." It was an accusation.

"No," Vincent replied calmly, "Godo became physical when Yuffie refused to marry the man he had chosen. Yuffie assured me that all he did was shake her but . . ."

"Well the fucker's not going to get another chance," Cid growled, "Has she been seen by a doctor?"

"Yes," Vincent nodded, "He fixed the worst of the damage, but it will take time for her to heal. Ideally, she should remain where she is for at least a few days but that is not possible."

Looking down at the thick bandages wrapped around Yuffie's middle and the various cuts and scrapes that covered her skin the trio decided that they didn't want to see what the "worst" was.

"We should go," Nanaki said breaking the silence.

Nodding, Vincent came forward and started to scoop the sleeping ninja into his arms but stopped when Yuffie let out a low moan and her eyes fluttered open.

"Vincent?" she whispered groggily.

"Cid is here with the Shera," Vincent said softly, "We must get you to the ship."

"Cid?"

"Right here, brat," Cid said gruffly, moving into Yuffie's line of sight. "Can't take my eyes off you for a minute."

Yuffie smiled softly, hearing the affection behind Cid's gruff words.

"We're here too, Yuffie," Cloud chimed in. The normally boisterous ninja looked so small and alone lying pale amongst the sheets. The ex-SOLDIER knew too well what it felt to be alone. She's not alone.

"Cloud! Red!" Yuffie cried weakly, "You came all this way?"

"We're your friends," Red replied gently, "It was the least we could do. Now, Yuffie, we must get you to the ship."

"Okay," Yuffie nodded.

They all watched in shock as Vincent quickly unclasped the buckles on his cloak. "It may be cold outside and it will help hide your identity," Vincent said looking away as he lifted Yuffie into his arms, wrapping her tightly in the soft material of his cloak.

It was an uncomfortable moment before the others were able to tear their gazes from Vincent. It was a rare occasion when Vincent removed his cape and allowed others to see he face.

"Well, shit," Cid shaking his head, "What are ya'll waiting for? Let's move."

They paused at the desk to pay the innkeeper. Cloud set a small bag of gil on the counter. "If anyone asks," he said, "You never saw us. Understand?"

Looking around, aware of who his guests were, the man swallowed nervously and nodded, his brown hair falling into his face with the force of his nod. "Yessir."

"In fact," the blonde continued, "Let's just take an extra precaution." Ignoring the innkeeper's indignant splutters, Cloud ripped the page with Vincent's entry out of the log and tore it into tiny pieces. "Have a nice night," Cloud said with a nod before turning and leading the others out of the Inn.

"The Shera is about a mile that way," Cid said gesturing with his thumb.

"Red," Cloud said glancing at the feline. "Why don't you scout ahead and make sure we don't run into any surprises."

Nodding his understanding, Nanaki broke into a run, quickly disappearing into the shadows except for the bright flame on his tail.

The group move quickly but quietly after the cat but could not move as quickly as they would have liked because of Yuffie's condition.

The White Rose said nothing but Vincent could feel her tremble in his arms and the tight grip she had on his shirt. He could also hear the occasional whimper.

"Yuffie?" he whispered, "Do you need us to stop for a moment?"

"No," she rasped, "It's okay. I'm alright."

"It's not much farther," Cid whispered, taking a moment to come and encourage her.

"Let's go then," Yuffie replied taking a steadying breath.

"Are you sure?" Cloud asked, "We'll stop for a few minutes if you want." It'll be dangerous though. Still, she's so pale I don't know how more she can take.

"No," Yuffie said in a stronger voice, "I can do it."

Vincent was so proud of Yuffie at that moment. She is in so much pain and yet she persists. Godo is a fool if he is not proud of such a daughter. Yuffie is a credit to her country whether Godo realizes it or not.

"You can rest soon, Yuffie," Vincent whispered so that only should hear, "Just be strong a little longer."

Nodding, Yuffie laid her head back on Vincent's shoulder. When the group started again, she tensed in his arms but made not a sound.

Several minutes later, the flame of Nanaki's tale became visible again. Just behind him waited the Shera. As per Cid's orders, the ramp was down, the ship was ready for takeoff. His crew had done well.

"We're here, Yuffie," Vincent said. The girl shuddered in relief but remained silent, her jaw clenched tightly against the pain.

"Hurry the hell up and let's get outta here," Cid said, breaking into a run and leading the way up the ramp.

The pilot, Cloud, and Red XIII headed straight for the bridge but Vincent made his way quickly towards the room the ninja used when aboard the Shera. Gently laying the exhausted girl on the bed, Vincent unwrapped his cloaked and checked the bandages to make sure her wounds hadn't reopened. There was no blood indicating such an event but Yuffie's eyes were glazed and her breaths came in painful gasps.

Striding quickly to the bathroom, Vincent emerged minutes later with a basin full of water and a paper cup also filled with water. Gathering the shuddering girl into his arms, Vincent placed two of Yuffie's pain pills on her tongue and then tipped the cup so that water trickled into her mouth. Yuffie swallowed mostly out of reflex. Laying her back on the bed, Vincent reached into the basin that he had placed on a table by the bed and rung out a cloth, which he then used to bath the sweat from her forehead.

"You did well," he praised quietly.

Yuffie blinked a few times before she managed to focus on Vincent's face. He looks worried.

"Vinnie?"

"Rest," Vincent hushed her gently, "You're safe aboard the ship, and we'll soon be in Edge.

Tears of pain began to fall from Yuffie's eyes and the girl gripped Vincent's claw tightly. "It hurts so bad," she rasped.

"The pills should kick in soon," Vincent said soothingly, letting the cloth lie on her forehead a moment, he used his good hand to wipe the tears from Yuffie's face with his thumb. "Sleep, Yuffie. You're safe."

Closing her eyes, Yuffie allowed Vincent's voice to lull her towards sleep. Fifteen minutes later, the medication took effect and Yuffie drifted from a light doze into a healing sleep.

Dragging a chair up to the bed, Vincent continued to keep his vigil occasionally bathing Yuffie's face to keep her cool. Her face had taken on a light flush and the gunman hoped that the ninja would not pay too high a price for their necessary nighttime trek to the ship.

The intercom crackled to life and Vincent cast a scathing glare at the speaker as Cid's voice filled the room. The pilot's voice was several notches below his normal bellow but Cid was never someone described as quiet.

"Vince," Cid said, "You'd better get up here. Reeve's on the line. He's got something I think ya should hear."

Glancing down at the sleeping ninja, Vincent decided that since Yuffie had not awoken he wouldn't have to tear out Cid's vocal cords which was fortunate considering he liked Cid.

Rising, Vincent quietly left the room casting one last glance at the sleeping girl as the door closed behind him. Striding quickly through the halls towards the bridge, Vincent didn't even pause as he stepped into the room.

"What is it?"

"Come see for yerself," Cid said gesturing towards a screen.

"Vincent!" Reeve's friendly voice greeted. Moving closer the gunman saw the WRO Commissioner's image displayed on the screen.

"Reeve," Vincent nodded, "It's been a while."

"I wish it were under better circumstance," Reeve sighed, "Godo was here."

"Asshole walked right in," Cid elaborated, "The man's got balls."

"He's definitely not worrying about diplomacy," Cloud added.

"Indeed," Reeve agreed, "He demanded that I turn Yuffie over to him immediately. Since Yuffie was in fact not here I allowed him to search the compound." Reeve chuckled darkly. "He had the nerve to ask for the WRO's help in locating Yuffie. Said that he was concerned and that Yuffie had 'matters of the utmost importance to attend to in Wutai.'"

"And you said?" Vincent prodded.

"I told Godo that I found it odd that Yuffie had left so abruptly since she nearly begged for time off to visit her homeland. I also told him that of course I would keep an eye out Yuffie because she is one of my operatives and my friend. If I found Yuffie I would contact him if that is what Yuffie desired."

Cloud let out a low whistle. "I'll be he wasn't happy."

"To say the least," Reeve agreed ruefully, "I had to have his contingent escorted from the base."

"This will strain relations between Wutai and the WRO," Red pointed out.

"It may," Reeve allowed, "But it's a risk I'm willing to take."

"Thanks for giving us the heads up," Cloud said, "We'll keep you posted."

"Understood," Reeve hesitated then asked, "How is she?"

"The brat's pretty beat up but she'll be okay," Cid replied, "You know Yuffie. Can't keep her down for long."

"She sleeping right now," Vincent added to everyone's surprise, "I'll tell her you asked about her."

"Thank you," Reeve said bowing his head, "Talk to you soon. Tuesti out."

After Reeve's image had winked out the four friends stood in silence for a long moment.

"Godo is pretty determined," Cloud sighed.

"Wutai might not be what it once was," Cid said lighting a cigarette, "But it's still got damn good fighters. They're no one to piss with."

"Yuffie will eventually have to face her father," Nanaki sighed, "She is the only heir to the Wutai throne."

"Perhaps," Vincent said turning for the door, "But Yuffie will do so when she is ready. And she will not face him alone. I will be with Yuffie if I am needed."

The door hissed shut behind him leaving the others to stare after him in silence.


SerenitySolider97: Thank you! I'm glad you like it so much. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well. Let me know.

Evilblanket: Tada! I got the update up pretty quick this time. Hope you liked it!

Lynn.reist: I like the pairing and I wanted to do something different with it. I hope it works. Let me know what ya think. Thanks for the review!